CVE-2025-6758
CVE-2025-6758
Weakness (CWE)
CVSS Vector
v3.1- Attack Vector
- Network
- Attack Complexity
- Low
- Privileges Required
- None
- User Interaction
- None
- Scope
- Unchanged
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
Description
The Real Spaces - WordPress Properties Directory Theme theme for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation via the 'imic_agent_register' function in all versions up to, and including, 3.6. This is due to a lack of restriction in the registration role. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to arbitrarily choose their role, including the Administrator role, during user registration.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2025-6758
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2025-6758 CISA Vulnerability Name: CVE-2025-6758 CVSS Score: 9.8
The vulnerability in the Real Spaces - WordPress Properties Directory Theme allows for privilege escalation due to insufficient restrictions in the user registration process. Specifically, the 'imic_agent_register' function permits unauthenticated users to select any role, including the Administrator role, during registration. This vulnerability is critical, as indicated by its high CVSS score of 9.8. The severity is amplified by the potential for complete takeover of the WordPress site, leading to significant data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential defacement or misuse of the site.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Unauthenticated User Registration: An attacker can exploit the vulnerability by accessing the user registration form and selecting the Administrator role during the registration process.
- Automated Scripts: Attackers may use automated scripts to register multiple Administrator accounts, making it difficult to identify and mitigate the threat.
Exploitation Methods:
- Direct Exploitation: The attacker can directly interact with the registration form, selecting the Administrator role and gaining full control over the WordPress site.
- Phishing Campaigns: Attackers may use phishing techniques to lure users into registering with malicious intent, thereby gaining administrative access.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- Real Spaces - WordPress Properties Directory Theme
- All versions up to and including 3.6
Affected Systems:
- Any WordPress installation using the Real Spaces theme version 3.6 or earlier.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Update the Theme: Ensure that the Real Spaces theme is updated to a version higher than 3.6, where the vulnerability has been patched.
- Disable User Registration: Temporarily disable user registration until the theme is updated to prevent further exploitation.
- Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Implement monitoring to detect any unusual user registrations or role changes.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Regular Updates: Maintain a regular update schedule for all themes and plugins to ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched promptly.
- Role-Based Access Control: Implement strict role-based access controls and regularly review user roles and permissions.
- Security Plugins: Use security plugins like Wordfence to monitor and protect against vulnerabilities.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
The discovery of CVE-2025-6758 highlights the ongoing risk associated with third-party themes and plugins in content management systems like WordPress. This vulnerability underscores the importance of:
- Regular Security Audits: Conducting regular security audits of all third-party components.
- Vendor Transparency: Ensuring that vendors are transparent about their security practices and promptly address reported vulnerabilities.
- User Education: Educating users about the risks of unauthenticated access and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Function Affected: 'imic_agent_register'
- Issue: Lack of restriction in the registration role, allowing unauthenticated users to choose any role, including Administrator.
Detection Methods:
- Log Analysis: Review registration logs for any unusual role assignments.
- Code Review: Conduct a code review of the 'imic_agent_register' function to identify and rectify the lack of role restrictions.
Mitigation Steps:
- Patch Application: Apply the patch provided by the theme developer to restrict role selection during registration.
- Access Controls: Implement additional access controls to ensure that only authorized users can assign roles.
Example Code Snippet (Hypothetical Patch):
function imic_agent_register($user_data) {
// Ensure only authorized roles can be assigned
$allowed_roles = array('subscriber', 'contributor');
if (!in_array($user_data['role'], $allowed_roles)) {
$user_data['role'] = 'subscriber'; // Default to a safe role
}
// Proceed with registration
wp_insert_user($user_data);
}
Conclusion: CVE-2025-6758 represents a significant risk to WordPress sites using the Real Spaces theme. Immediate action is required to update the theme and implement additional security measures to mitigate the risk of privilege escalation. Regular updates, strict access controls, and continuous monitoring are essential to maintaining the security of WordPress installations.